Glossary · Web & App Development

Dart

Definition: Dart is Google's open-source, object-oriented programming language optimized for building user interfaces, and the language behind Flutter. It compiles to native machine code for mobile and desktop and to JavaScript for the web, and supports features like sound null safety and hot reload.

Official source: Dart

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Overview

What Dart Is

Dart is an open-source, general-purpose programming language created by Google and first released in 2011. It is object-oriented and statically typed, with a syntax familiar to anyone who knows Java, C#, or JavaScript. Dart is best known as the language that powers Flutter, but it can also target web and server-side applications.

How It Works

Dart is flexible in how it compiles. Ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation produces fast native machine code for shipped apps, while just-in-time (JIT) compilation powers Flutter's sub-second hot reload during development. Sound null safety helps eliminate a common class of runtime errors, and Dart can also compile to JavaScript to run in browsers.

Why It Matters for Your Business

For most companies, Dart matters because it is the foundation of Flutter, the framework behind their cross-platform apps. Choosing Flutter means adopting Dart, which is approachable for teams coming from Java or JavaScript backgrounds. Our in-house Flutter app development and mobile app development teams write in Dart to deliver iOS and Android apps from one codebase.

Where we use it

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FAQ

Dart — common questions

Is Dart only used for Flutter?

No, but that's its main use today. Dart can build web front ends, command-line tools, and server-side apps, yet the vast majority of Dart development happens through Flutter for mobile, web, and desktop apps.

Is Dart hard to learn?

Not especially. Developers with Java, C#, or JavaScript experience usually pick up Dart quickly because its syntax and object-oriented concepts are familiar. Its clear tooling and documentation help newcomers as well.

Dart vs JavaScript?

Dart is statically typed with sound null safety and compiles to native code, which suits large, structured apps and Flutter. JavaScript is the native language of the web with a far larger ecosystem. Dart can also compile to JavaScript when needed.

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